Storm warnings postpone concerts and half marathon in Latvia

Several events planned for Saturday, August 22, including a concert in Riga’s Mežaparks and a half marathon in Jelgava, have been postponed because of forecast strong winds and heavy rain, LSM reported, citing the State Fire and Rescue Service.

Rescue officials urged residents and event organisers to assess whether planned activities can be held safely in the expected conditions. Strong winds could bring down trees, tear loose structures or carry objects through the air, while heavy rain could flood low-lying areas and make roads impassable.

The service praised organisers and municipalities that had already decided to postpone or cancel Saturday’s events, saying that public safety was the top priority.

The concert by the projects Mesa and Gacho, scheduled for Saturday at the Mežapark Grand Stage, has been moved to Sunday, August 23. Additional public transport services to Mežapark have also been rescheduled for Sunday.

Riga Zoo will change its opening hours over the weekend. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday.

The Riga municipality urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary and avoid parks, cemeteries, recreation areas and children’s playgrounds because trees and branches could fall. People were also advised to avoid using private vehicles because of expected downpours and possible flooding.

Latvian State Roads warned drivers to expect difficult travel conditions during the cyclone and to consider whether their journey was necessary.